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Summer Treats for Fido

Summer Treats for Fido

July 15, 2015

During the dog days of summer, many of us are looking for ways to beat the heat. Ice cream and other cold treats are a classic way to cool off on sweltering afternoons. Our furry pals also enjoy savoring delicious frozen snacks on hot days. Below, a Sayville, NY vet lists some great cool treats you can make for Fido!

Pupsicles

There are many variations on this summer classic. Try freezing bits of kibble or small doggy treats in water and/or low sodium beef or chicken broth. Another option is to mix water, peanut butter, and bacon strips. Use an ice cube tray to shape these snacks, and give your canine pal one or two on sweltering days. You can also use chew sticks and plastic cups to make a larger version. For fun and flavor, add bacon bits, shredded cheese or beef, or peanut butter.

Doggy Ice Cream

Many grocery stores or pet stores now carry ice cream made just for Fido. You can also make your own! Use a base of yogurt, and add peanut butter and/or honey. You can customize it to suit your canine buddy’s tastes and nutritional requirements by adding fun, dog-safe toppings like bacon, bits of cooked, unseasoned meat, bananas, or strawberries.

Sweet Potatoes

Frozen slices of sweet potato can make a delicious and healthy snack for your furry pal. Just wash the potato, cut it into thin slices, put the pieces in a freezer bag and freeze!

Cheeseburger Bites

Take cooked, unseasoned beef or turkey, and mix it with cheese and water or low-sodium beef broth. Use an ice cube tray or cookie pan to freeze the mixture into individual, bite-sized portions. You don’t want to go overboard with these, so just give Fido one or two at a time.

Frozen Toys

Another thing you can do is to take a puzzle toy, such as a Kong toy, and smear the inside with peanut butter and a little water. Pop it in the freezer, and in a few hours you’ll have a fun treat that can keep your furbaby occupied for hours!

Remember, never give Fido foods that are dangerous for him. Chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, or avocados are a few examples of things that are toxic to dogs.

Do you have questions about your dog’s health, care, or behavior? Contact us, your Sayville, NY veterinary clinic, any time!